Wednesday, June 26, 2013

20-6-13 VHT Trainings

Today Christine, two students and I traveled to Ruhinda Sub-country
and trained VHTs (Village Health Teams).
When we first got to Ruhinda the group and I were a little disappointed
because only eight VHTs had shown up when we were expecting many more. However, by the time training started we had
over 20 VHTs involved! Christine, one of
our outreach nurses did a fabulous job with the training. She included descriptions of both Marasmus
and Kwashikor as well as how to identify each type of malnutrition. In addition, VHTs were trained in how to take
a MUAC measurement to determine if a person is severely, moderately or mildly
malnourished.

The VHTs were very involved in the
trainings as well. Many asked questions,
and a few even got up in the front of the class and gave demonstrations on how
to take a proper MUAC. It was great to
see everyone participating! Each VHT
received a child MUAC tape, and 18+ MUAC tape and a laminated chart delineating
the measurements for severe, moderate and mild malnutrition by age group. The
VHTs were also provided with a per diem and a soda and snack as a thank you
from IECM for participating in our training.

All the VHTs showed great interest and expressed thanks to
IECM for providing trainings and supplies.
We are very excited to be continuing our trainings with VHTs. We will be training the rest of Ruhinda Sub-county
this coming Thursday with Child days to follow.